Jersey City hopeful switches parties to challenge Congressman Sires in June instead of November

A Jersey City computer programmer who planned to run for Congress as a Republican from Hudson County has switched his party affiliation.

The move puts Michael Shurin, 25, up against the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires, in the June 5 primary. Sires represents the Eighth Congressional District.

Yesterday, Shurin said he switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat because it would be “literally impossible” to win the November general election as a member of the GOP.

He charged the district which includes Harrison, Hoboken, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken, West New York and parts of Bayonne, Jersey City and Kearny has been gerrymandered to keep Republicans from winning.

Meanwhile, Shurin added, his views are too liberal for the modern-day Republican Party. Shurin is pro-gay marriage and pro-choice on abortion, as well as liberal on illegal immigration and drug enforcement.

Sires is planning to seek his fourth term in November.

Shurin said,“if people are concerned about ‘Republican’ or ‘Democrat,’ then let’s be honest with you, they’re probably not paying attention to the real issues.”